The skinny: This five-ship German line, which operates everything from ultra-luxury to expedition ships, has roots that date back more than 100 years. Only recently did the line start making a play for upscale American passengers; strategies include new English-language programming.

Hapag-Lloyd has something to brag about: its 408-passenger, all-suite Europa is one of the highest-rated (5-star plus) ships in the world, according to Berlitz guides. The line's first bilingual (German and English) ship, the Europa 2, launched in May 2013. It's a 516-passenger, all-suite, all-balcony ship with special facilities geared towards both spa-goers and the luxury family market. The vessel offers large suites designed for families (kids age 2 and older only).

The experience: Guests on the Europa and Europa 2 are greeted with a bottle of chilled champagne in their suites, a sign of good things to come. Expect elegant furnishings, top-flight cuisine and a yacht-like atmosphere plus the kind of amenities you'd find on a big ship. Europa has the highest space-to-passenger ratio of any ship afloat, and the French-built Europa 2 continues the trend. Europa 2 has eight restaurants that include French and sushi bar venues, all open seating; extensive spa facilities, including four different types of saunas; plus an all-weather pool. French cooking classes are offered (for a fee) at a Miele cooking school. Show productions take place in a high-tech theater.

Suites on Europa 2 come with a bunch of amenities such as complimentary mini-bars stocked with soft drinks and beer, Nespresso coffee machines and computer tablets. The marble bathrooms have separate bathtubs and showers.

Gratuities are included with the cruise fare; most drinks are not. Note to non-smokers: Smoking is permitted in more public areas than on American ships. Kids' programming is divided into age groups and includes escorted kids-only shore excursions (for a fee). Adults get lectures from historians and the opportunity to practice their golf swings with a PGA pro using high-tech simulators. The high-brow European crowd wears nice resort wear during the day and likes to dress for dinner, and most will have tuxes for formal nights.

Who's onboard: Older, European passengers. Worldly Americans make up about 10% of the crowd, although the line is betting that number will grow.

Where they go: Around the world, the Europa 2 concentrating on the Mediterranean, Middle East and Southeast Asia.